Joint Customs Operations (JCO)

Joint Customs Operations (JCO)

What are Joint Customs Operations?

The customs authorities of EU countries as well as some non-EU countries, in cooperation with OLAF, carry out regular joint customs operations with specific checks at European level. These operations are coordinated and targeted actions of a limited duration with the aim of combating the smuggling of sensitive goods and fraud in certain risky areas and/or on identified trade routes.

OLAF provides the necessary support for the relevant countries to conduct coordinated actions by means of its:

permanent technical infrastructure, IT and communications tools

strategic analysis, administrative and financial support

Results of the operations

These operations help to:

improve the effectiveness of customs services in conducting targeted checks at European level.

identify where the risks lie on specific trade routes.

protect the citizens and legitimate businesses by preventing illegal products from entering the EU